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"So tall!" Brock marveled as the giant came into view. Even some of the adults nearby seemed dwarfed in comparison, let alone the children.
"I heard my dad say that person is called Giant! He's a regular competitor in Pokémon Fighting tournaments and a famous player. He's achieved great results in many competitions. Dad has always considered him a formidable opponent."
Rebecca observed the towering man with interest. Since Anthony had always been passionate about Pokémon Fighting, she knew many players in the field. However, the Giant stood out in her memory solely due to his immense size.
"He really lives up to his name!" Misty exclaimed, staring at the man known as Giant. "If I stood next to him, I'd look like a child."
At that moment, the Giant noticed their gazes. He trembled slightly, turned around, and lowered his hat.
"Huh? He's so tall and imposing, but he seems kind of shy," Brock remarked, intrigued by the contrast in personality.
"This guy must be incredibly strong, right?" Misty asked uneasily. Rebecca's comments hinted at his prowess.
"Yeah!" Rebecca nodded, though her tone lacked conviction.
"Regardless, our target is Mr. Anthony," Brock declared, his fighting spirit evident.
"Yeah, that's right!" Misty agreed, and they both began preparing.
Soon, the staff received word that the first matchups had been decided. Ash's first opponent was a man in his twenties who would be battling with a Machop.
This tournament differed from standard battles. Participants had to declare their chosen Pokémon during registration to ensure they met the competition's requirements. Only one Pokémon could be used, and even if injured, it had to continue. If the Pokémon couldn't battle anymore, the trainer would be forced to forfeit.
Additionally, all Pokémon used in the tournament were publicly listed. Unlike traditional battles that required strategy and adaptability, these matches tested endurance and determination.
About half an hour later, the venue was packed with an enthusiastic audience, and the competition officially began. Misty and Rebecca found seats in the auditorium while Brock and Ash stayed behind in the lounge.
Through the lounge's TV screen, they could see the intensity of the ongoing matches. The competition was fierce and thrilling, drawing the crowd's cheers and excitement.
"Player Ash, your match is about to begin," the staff announced, stepping into the lounge.
"I know. I'll head over now," Ash replied, then turned to Brock. "Wish me luck."
"Great, good luck!" Brock said with encouragement, his confidence in Ash evident. Though this was Ash's first fighting competition, Brock felt assured after witnessing Ash's rigorous training sessions with Primeape.
Leaving the lounge, Ash walked down the corridor. The bright light at its end beckoned him forward, enhancing the feeling of stepping onto a grand stage. The atmosphere was electric.
WHAM! BAM!
The moment Ash emerged from the tunnel, applause and cheers erupted around him. Though a newcomer to this type of competition, Ash received a warm and respectful reception from the crowd.
"Next up, we have contestants Masao and Ash!" the announcer declared.[T/N : Machop's trainer's name hasn't been mentioned in the anime so I am using a random name]
"Ash is a rookie who entered just before the registration deadline. This is his first time participating in a high-level fighting competition. Let's see how he performs!"
The commentator's voice rang out across the arena, providing background on the competitors. Compared to his opponent, a more seasoned participant, Ash was an underdog.
As the introductions wrapped up, Ash and Masao stepped into the ring and took their positions on opposite sides.
"It's finally Ash's turn!" Misty exclaimed from the audience, her excitement unmistakable.
"I hope Ash can beat his opponent!" Rebecca added with a tinge of worry. She hadn't known Ash long enough to gauge his chances.
"Don't worry, Ash will do great!" Misty reassured her, confident in her long-time friend's abilities.
In the Arena
"All right, Machop, let's go!" Masao called out, tossing his Poké Ball into the ring.
The Pokémon that appeared was small, standing less than a meter tall. Its gray, muscular body glistened under the lights, and three ridged crests adorned its head, giving it a distinctive look.
Machop's body was incredibly strong, with visible ridges of muscle on its chest—not from thinness, but from sheer strength. This was Machop, a Pokémon whose body was built entirely of muscle. No matter how much it exerted itself, Machop never experienced muscle fatigue. Though small in stature, it boasted incredible power.
Despite its petite frame, Machop's strength was impressive enough to lift several Geodudes with ease. In some cases, Machop's trainers would even use Graveler as makeshift barbells for strength training.
"It's your turn, Primeape!" Ash called, pulling out a Poké Ball. He tossed it confidently into the air, and with a flash of light, Primeape materialized on the battlefield. Its fierce eyes locked onto Machop, radiating an intense fighting spirit. Machop, in turn, narrowed its eyes warily, immediately on guard.
"The Pokémon representing Masao is Machop, while Ash's Pokémon is Primeape! Both are fighters with extraordinary combat abilities. Who will come out on top? Let the match begin!" the announcer declared.
Ding!!!
Neither trainer spoke as the match started. Masao watched closely, studying the interactions between Primeape and Ash. In his mind, a first-time participant like Ash, who was so young, would likely falter under the pressure early on.
But to his surprise, Ash didn't move. Primeape remained steady, its muscular body subtly shifting with tension but showing no sign of launching an attack.
Minutes passed. Masao frowned, his confidence wavering as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"How is this possible? There's not a single opening!" he muttered to himself.
Ash's calm composure and Primeape's unwavering stillness were unnerving. Masao found himself baffled. "Is this really his first competition?" he wondered. The level of control and patience reminded him of seasoned players who had years of tournament experience.